Whaley is the new Wisbech Town boss

By Greg Plummer

Wisbech Town have confirmed Brett Whaley as the new manager at the Elgoods Stadium.

Whaley arrives at Wisbech having managed United Counties League rivals Yaxley for the past three seasons.

On his appointment, Whaley said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to manage such a big club at this level.

“To be approached for the role has been a massive compliment and I can’t wait to get started.

“We have two months hard work now before the season starts and I’ll be doing everything I can to hit the ground running from the start of the season.”

Wisbech chairman Malcolm Clements said: “I’m really pleased to be welcoming Brett to the club, you only have to speak to the guy to know how approachable, passionate and enthusiastic he is.

“I really look forward to working with him as we prepare for next season.”

Today, a long statement issued by the Fenmen said: “Wisbech Town FC are pleased to announce that Brett Whaley has accepted the position of first team manager.

“We feel this is a very important appointment for the development and growth of the club as a whole.

“The board are committed to the long term development and integration of players youths/reserves/first team and feel that Brett is the right manager to help us deliver this.

“We have ambition, drive and determination to compete and progress and if the opportunity presents itself the Club will do everything it possibly can to push on.

“He has spent the last three years as first team manager of Yaxley FC in the UCL Prem, where league positions have improved year on year finishing 12th, 6th and last season 4th.

“Brett has had management roles with Ramsey Town (first team manager), Deeping Rangers (first team assistant manager) and two stints at March Town (first team manager).”

The statement continued: “Brett’s involvement extends with clubs such as Boston Utd and Peterborough Utd where he coached development centres in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

“Brett has also worked alongside several professional managers and coaches including Steve Welsh, Steve Evans and Daral Pugh, all of whom he says helped and inspired him in his personal UEFA coaching development.”

“The last few days have been extremely hard for everyone involved at the club with recent events involving the first team, especially with the amount of work that was put in at the end of the season to stabilise the clubs finances and secure a reduced, but reasonable, budget for 2015/16.

“Upon joining the board in March 2015 the new members were quickly alerted to the fact that the club was suffering losses and were in financial trouble.

“We were very fortunate to be offered a secured loan to clear the debt from an anonymous benefactor outside of the board for which we are extremely grateful, we are in the process of setting up a payment plan to ensure it is paid back.

“The club was unable to maintain the budget of the previous season and after calculating the shortfall in income and outgoing the budget was reduced by 20 per cent but with FA Vase/Cup win bonus added in.

“This statement is published with the intent to reassure our supporters, players, volunteers, staff and shareholders that we are fully committed and doing what is absolutely necessary to ensure the club can move forward.

“We are working on initiatives along with other club members to improve finances which would in turn enable us to do more, however we remain firmly grounded and will not promise money that isn’t there.

“The board are very grateful for the work that has been put in by Dick, Melly, Spaff and all the players.

“Last season was very good on the pitch, a massive unbeaten run and only just missed out on a top-two finish.

“Football is football, people have a change of heart and opportunities will come and go however we do wish everyone moving on very best wishes for the future and thank them for their time at the club.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contacted us with well wishes, offers of support and help over the past couple of days.”